Austria hiking vacation

Planet

Carbon Footprint

We are committed to offering low impact vacations that benefit the country and communities we visit. Given most of the time is spent exploring on foot, it is important that our staff, local partners and customers are aware of the delicate balance which exists in the places we visit and leave no trace. This tour operates during low tourist season, away from the main resorts, and sourcing Austrian owned hotels, restaurants, and services.

On this trip travel with ease and for free on local buses and cable cars with the local Hochkönig Card, included in the vacation price.

Environment & Wildlife

Our center is the traditional alpine village of Maria Alm. We use as little private transportation as possible as we make use of the local cable cars and the public buses to reach the start of most of our walks.

The focus of this trip is primarily walking (human powered transport), however there will be some free time to walk additional trails and we aim to leave minimal impact. We stick to the trails to avoid upsetting the delicate balance for plants and animals, as well as not feeding wildlife as they become reliant on tourists, plus maintaining a safe and respectful distance from wildlife.

Although the water in Austria is safe to drink for our customers, we offer the opportunity to purchase a water filter bottle, at a discounted price, that combines three different technologies to remove over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants in water. This allows our clients to fill up from local streams and wells while on walks, and prevents the need for single use plastic bottles

We’re committed to running our business responsibly. In our office we reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible. It’s in a refurbished mill, and we’ve also installed a waterwheel to generate electricity from the river. It was the first of its kind in Britain, gives us our own sustainable source of power and any excess goes to the National Grid.

We operate a ‘leave no trace’ policy on all activity days to help maintain them for future generations. Our tour leader is trained to promote this message to our customers whilst on this trip. Lunch can be purchased from local shops (vegetarian and vegan options should be available) and you are encouraged to bring a water bottle, Tupperware container and cutlery to avoid using plastic bags and plastic knives and forks.

People

Local Economy

As a company we believe in workplace diversity and equal employment, with opportunities available to everybody regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality. So, it is important for us that we work with locals to ensure they benefit from tourism and stay at a family owned and operated hotel that employs local residents as well as work with local transport providers that hire staff locally.

We also buy picnic lunches from local bakeries and stop in mountain huts and small villages for drink breaks during the day.

Our arrival day orientation walk is led by a local guide who shares our commitment to responsible travel where possible. A local flower enthusiast joins us for an afternoon during our June departure which is based on the beautiful alpine flowers. It is important for us that we work with locals to ensure they benefit from tourism, and at the same time ensure our travelers benefit from local knowledge.

Employment, Inclusivity & Diversity

We offer millions of pounds in financial aid to walking groups within the UK to maintain walking by young and old for future generations, rebuild broken paths and bridges washed away. This falls under an organisation named the Charitable Trust.

Austria and Maria Alm are considered LGBTQ+ friendly, with Maria Alm home to at least one LGBTQ+ exclusive hotel.